Director of Early Childhood Education

Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, in New Brunswick, NJ, seeks a full-time Director of Early Childhood Education, beginning January 2023, to oversee all aspects of our childcare center. The Director of Early Childhood Education is also a part of the professional staff of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple and a partner in our early childhood engagement programs.

The Gan Yeladeem Childcare Center is licensed with a capacity to enroll up to 40 children from 6 weeks old through PreK. The Gan is a nurturing, fun and safe place for children to learn and grow.  Our use of The Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate lessons about Jewish holidays, traditions and values encourages children to grow and explore at their own pace. With the support of our caring, creative and experienced staff, the children at the Gan develop skills across all domains of learning.

Our Mission:

The Gan is committed to providing an enriching and nurturing environment based on progressive Jewish values and ideals where children develop a strong Jewish identity while receiving a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early education.  We are committed to ongoing staff development which enables us to understand each child and helps each child reach their full potential.  Through positive, strength-based approaches we help children develop a healthy self-esteem. We strive to be models of inquiry and growth while supported by experienced and caring teachers, a community of educators and learners and our involved Rabbis and Cantor. The children at Gan Yeladeem are encouraged to love learning, take risks and respect themselves, each other and the adults in their lives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Personnel Management – hiring, training and supervision of staff, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Program Management - ensuring the successful enrollment, advertising, and marketing of the early childhood program, ensuring student retention, and overseeing the assessment of child development and progress. 
• Prepare and manage the budget of the Early Childhood Center.
• Curriculum Development and Implementation – Monitor the use and implementation of The Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment in classrooms. Partner with the clergy to infuse Jewish values, holidays and cultural experiences into the curriculum.
• Legal Compliance – ensuring full compliance with all licensing and safety regulations required by the state.
• Communication – communication with families, staff, Parent Board, AEMT staff and professionals, congregants, prospective members, and families and others connected with early childhood engagement. 
• Work with Grow NJ Kids quality rating system to achieve star rating.
• Engagement and Outreach – work with AEMT professional staff to enhance current experiences and create additional opportunities for engagement of young families in the congregation and community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Education, or related field with Education focus, with at least 3 years teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position. Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Experience working with young children and their families, preferably in a pre-school or child-care environment (3 years minimum).
• Educational qualifications to meet New Jersey Head Teacher requirements preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and educational philosophies.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for Reform Judaism and its traditions and values, or willingness to learn and respect accordingly.

Desired Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to families with young children.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to be thoughtful and creative, particularly in visioning and strategic planning.
• Ability to work as a team player in the life of the school and congregation.
• Ability to promote and communicate using technology and social networking.

Compensation: 

$55 – 65K (commensurate with experience), plus benefits, including health insurance, PTO, congregation membership, reduced tuition in congregation schools, pension, and professional development allowance.